Esther Nasser

South African-born and educated, Esther Nasser brings an in-depth knowledge of dance and extensive experience in dance company management to the position of Joburg Ballet CEO.

From 1988 to 2000 she was artistic director of the State Theatre Dance Company, one of SA’s most highly acclaimed dance companies, and in 2008 filled the same role with Mzansi Productions. Beginning in 1982, she also directed a number of independent dance companies – Movement Inc, Jozi Dance Company, Tshwane Dance Theatre – as well as being invited to work with many SA dance and ballet companies, restaging works by respected international choreographers. As a choreographer, she has created an extensive repertoire of original works to both commissioned and existing music and soundtracks, winning several awards for choreography.

She became involved in inclusivity and social cohesion in dance and theatre before SA achieved democracy in 1994 and remains actively involved in the process. She has established community and outreach projects, winning the Gauteng Achievement Community/Outreach Award in 1999. She has also taught and lectured at SA universities and technikons and has choreographed and directed extensively for television.

Esther Nasser was appointed CEO of Joburg Ballet in August 2016.